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In addition to identifying trends through our daily interactions with companies and job seekers, we conduct extensive research on hiring and employment issues. Read about our latest research, including results from our ongoing surveys of CFOs, CIOs, lawyers, advertising and marketing executives, human resources managers, senior managers and workers.

Beyond Salary, What Do Employees Really Want In 2015?

The Answer May Surprise Managers

MENLO PARK, Calif., March 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As the focus on employee recruitment and retention sharpens in a recovering economy, many executives may be undervaluing a perk their workforce wants most, suggests new research from Accountemps. When asked which workplace perk they think their employees are most interested in receiving this year, 41 percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed said better benefits, and 19 percent said more vacation days. In a separate survey of workers, however, more paid time off (30 percent) narrowly edged out better benefits (26 percent) as most desired in 2015.

The surveys were developed by Accountemps, the world's first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals and conducted by an independent research firm. The surveys include responses from more than 2,100 CFOs from a stratified random sample of companies in more than 20 of the largest U.S. metropolitan areas and more than 320 employees age 18 and older who work in an office environment.

CFOs were asked, "Other than additional compensation, which one of the following do you believe would top your employees' wish lists when it comes to their jobs this year?" Their responses:

Better benefit plan, such as enhanced healthcare plan

41%

More vacation days

19%

More scheduling flexibility, such as telecommuting or flexible work hours

15%

More training or professional development opportunities

12%

Other corporate perks, such as on-site meals and amenities, health and wellness, or subsidized transportation

11%

Don't know

2%

100%

Employees were asked, "Other than additional compensation, which one of the following would top your wish list when it comes to your job this year?" Their responses:

More vacation days

30%

Better benefit plan, such as enhanced healthcare plan

26%

More scheduling flexibility, such as telecommuting or flexible work hours

19%

More training or professional development opportunities

15%

Other corporate perks, such as on-site meals and amenities, health and wellness, or subsidized transportation

"You can't underestimate the importance of time away from work," said Bill Driscoll, a district president with Accountemps. He noted companies should encourage staff to take the vacation time they've earned and disconnect while out of the office to relax, recharge and return with renewed energy. "Managers can set a good example by taking time off themselves and not checking in when they're on vacation," Driscoll said.

About Accountemps
Accountemps, a Robert Half company, is the world's first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. The staffing firm has more than 340 offices worldwide. More resources, including online job search services and the Accountemps blog, can be found at accountemps.com.